Smart Card Authentication

The usage of plastic cards (similar to credit cards) to store and use encrypted authentication information.

Smart cards use PKI technology to store asymmetric keys, digital signatures, and identification codes. They can authenticate a user when used with a smart card reader connected to a computer. Smart cards usually have RAM,RAM, ROM,ROM, and a microprocessor integrated within the chip itself. The microprocessor is capable of performing cryptographic functions independently.

Smart cards are capable of tamper-resistant storage of private keys and other forms of PII. However, they are vulnerable to microprobing, software attacks, eavesdropping, and fault generation.